RNC Dispatch, City Budget Qs, and RIP Sparky
All eyes have been fixed on Milwaukee this week as the Republican National Convention has taken over Wisconsin’s biggest city. Host Bianca Martin caught up with Wisconsin Public Radio political reporter Anya van Wagtendonk to get an inside look at the convention and what folks in Madison should be watching. Meanwhile in Madison, executive producer Hayley Sperling joins Bianca to talk about the city’s continued budget questions, why a group of West siders are suing the city over a housing development, and a sad goodbye at Henry Vilas Zoo.
Mentioned on the show
Reporting from the RNC, Chevron and Wisconsin, Women BBQ brawlers [WPR]
Madison mayor urges City Council to consider property tax referendum [Cap Times]
Raising Taxes or Cutting Services: Madison’s Budget Dilemma [City Cast Madison]
Your City Budget Questions Answered [City Cast Madison]
Maple Bluff eyes property tax referendum to close budget gap [Wisconsin State Journal]
Neighbors sue over Old Sauk Road development but lose Plan Commission appeal [WisconsinState Journal]
Goodbye, Sparky [Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook]
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 19th episode here:
Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
City Anticipates Budget Cuts, Madison’s Election Trust Crisis, and Free Meals for Local Kids
This week, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway told city agencies to be prepared to cut 2% from their budgets amid inflation and higher fue...

Spicy Takes From Madison’s Chef of the Year. Plus, WTF Is Cookie Salad?!?
Chef Patrick O’Halloran has been cooking for Madison for decades, and his latest business, The Deliciouser, blends spices, classes, and g...

Hot Takes on Madison’s Queer Scene
It’s Pride Month! Gov. Tony Evers was the first Wisconsin governor to raise the pride flag over the State Capitol, and he did so again fo...

Honoring Michael Johnson, Public Art Woes, and Pop-Ups at Madison Public Market
We start today’s show remembering and mourning community leader Michael Johnson. Host Bianca Martin reflects with executive producer Hayl...

Police Monitor Answers Her Critics
Madison’s Police Civilian Oversight Board and Office of the Independent Police Monitor are once again under scrutiny as the city consider...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Madison
Madison recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city p...

SCOWIS Takes on Congressional Maps, Gov. Race Updates, and Good News For Passenger RailJun 05, 2026
Wisconsin’s voting maps are in the news again and headed to the state Supreme Court. What’s next for political representation in our stat...

What To Pack for Your American Players Theatre Picnic
The 2026 season at American Players Theatre starts this weekend! The Tony Award-winning theater company in Spring Green will have shows t...

Experience One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most Influential Buildings
Did you know Madison is home to the world-famous, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, First Unitarian meeting house? To mark the building’s 75th...

UW Ditches Ethnic Studies, Ridglan Beagle Update, and Madison’s Got Talent!
UW-Madison is removing its ethnic studies requirement for students enrolling in summer 2026 and beyond. This move aligns the university w...


